Chapter 9: Publication Decision!
Fujikawa Bunko, inside an office.
A group of people were deciding on their upcoming publication targets.
They had already voted to reject the publication of some works, with only a small number of works getting a chance to be published.
This was natural. As a company, they had to assess a work's commercial potential. If they consistently lost money, they wouldn't be able to continue.
So, each of them received many manuscripts, and on a certain day, they held a meeting to decide which works would stand out.
Now, it was "demon slayer," recommended by Machida Sonoko.
"It looks like a rather cliché work. It doesn't seem like it could be a big seller. Isekai genres are more appealing than this."
"I don't think so. This work has its own unique characteristics and is much better than those poorly made Isekai works. It has more soul. Maybe it won't be a huge seller, but it can definitely attract a loyal fanbase."
"Although it's a fantasy genre, I feel that this type of subject matter might not have a bad audience. Also, there have been too many Isekai works published recently, so it's time to support other types of works."
"Isekai works are indeed easy to sell, and there's no shortage of good illustrators now, that's a fact…"
"Don't get off topic. Let's get back to the main subject."
"The creator of demon slayer is still a middle school student. I think this is a bonus point. It would be a bit of a gimmick for promotion."
"Hmm, yes, that could work. I feel this newcomer has a lot of potential. I also think we can take a gamble, not necessarily aiming for a big hit."
"Then let's start voting."
"Oppose."
"Approve!"
"Approve."
"Approve."
…
"Since that's the case, it's decided… demon slayer, publication confirmed!"
…
Soon, Izumi Chihiro received the good news from Machida Sonoko.
"Congratulations! It's been approved, and the procedures have started. It won't be long until you officially debut! From now on, I'll have to call you Izumi-sensei!"
"Oh, by the way, if you have time this weekend, come sign the contract, and bring the illustrator you've chosen… Also, Izumi-sensei, it's time for you to think about your pen name."
After hanging up the phone, his face still couldn't hide his joy.
"This is great! Ni-san, I can finally debut!"
Sagiri, who had been waiting nearby, listened to their conversation and finally couldn't help but jump up with joy.
"Yes."
Izumi Chihiro's lips curved upwards, his heart filled with excitement.
Soon, he calmed down again.
"But this is only the first step. No one knows what the sales will be like after the debut. If it sells too poorly, it might even be canceled, so we can't be careless."
"Ni-san writes so well, it's definitely going to be a huge hit!"
Sagiri said with great certainty.
This was a bit of flattery.
She had begged and cried to read the original manuscript before, but in reality, she hadn't seen anything that suggested it would be a big seller.
She thought perhaps her discerning eye wasn't good enough yet.
However, compared to the works of an average newcomer, she was certain that Ni-san's demon slayer was stronger.
Otherwise, there wouldn't have been an opportunity for a debut, as the subject matter was, after all, slightly at a disadvantage.
Izumi Chihiro was well aware of Sagiri's true thoughts. He patted her silver hair and said half-jokingly, "If big brother's work wants to be a big seller, it still needs Sagiri's help. If Sagiri draws well enough, maybe people will start collecting the illustrations."
"Leave it to me."
Sagiri patted her small chest.
On the weekend, the two went to a cafe to meet Machida Sonoko.
They should have gone to Fujikawa Bunko, but considering Sagiri's somewhat shy nature, they chose to meet outside.
Machida Sonoko was also very considerate and brought the contract out.
"Could this cute girl be the illustrator Izumi-sensei chose? She must still be in elementary school, right?"
Her expression was bewildered when she saw Sagiri.
"I can do it."
Sagiri's eyes were like torches.
"It's not a question of whether you can do it… Never mind, Izumi-sensei is only a middle school student anyway."
Machida Sonoko had intended to dissuade him, but after noticing his expression, she simply found a reason to convince herself.
"So, who is this…?"
She inquired about Sagiri's name.
"Izumi Sagiri, my younger sister."
He replied.
"I see, they're siblings, no wonder… No wonder Izumi-sensei would create a work like demon slayer."
Machida Sonoko suddenly understood.
'…Not blood-related.'
Sagiri added silently in her heart.
Izumi Chihiro knew that Machida Sonoko had misunderstood the cause and effect of demon slayer's creation, but there was no way to explain such a thing, so he could only let her guess.
"This is the contract."
Machida Sonoko took out several A4 papers, filled with various rules within the agreement.
After carefully reading it and confirming there were no issues, Izumi Chihiro proactively wrote his real name and the pen name he had chosen.
"Izumi Masamune?"
Machida Sonoko smiled gently when she saw him write down his pen name.
Masamune = The best.
It sounded quite good and also showed a lot of ambition.
She liked this pen name.
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Machida Sonoko glanced at the pen name Sagiri had left, and her expression froze.
"Eromanga Sensei?"
It sounded a little… suggestive.
And, she seemed to have some impression of this name, but couldn't quite recall it.
"This is the name I inherited from Kasan."
Sagiri also blushed and turned to the side, explaining softly.
Otherwise, if Ni-san thought she was a very suggestive silver-haired loli, that would be terrible!
"Cough, cough, I understand."
Machida Sonoko coughed, snapped out of her daze, and then retrieved the contract.
"Now, Izumi-sensei just needs to wait for our news. Also, you can consider starting on the content for the second volume. I suggest you don't wait until the deadline is approaching to start rushing. I don't want to follow my colleagues' example and drag you into a dark room for confinement…"
She warned him with a stern expression.
"I will keep that firmly in mind."
Izumi Chihiro's expression was solemn.
"As for the illustrator's work, Izumi-sensei, you should discuss it thoroughly with your younger sister. Deciding when to add illustrations shouldn't be a difficult task."
Machida Sonoko glanced at Sagiri, entrusted her with the final task, then settled the accounts and left.
"Ni-san, it's about to begin."
Sagiri turned her head, serious emotions conveyed in her aqua-blue pupils.
"Yes, it's about to begin."
Izumi Chihiro's expression was equally serious.
For both of them, this was a first.
So, they had to treat it with utmost seriousness!